Olympus E-420 vs Olympus E-500

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-420 vs Olympus E-500, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Advanced DSLR and they are both produced by Olympus. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the E-420 (10MP) and E-500 (8MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-420 was revealed 2 years later than the E-500 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus E-500 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a complete comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-420 scores vs the E-500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-420 & Olympus E-500. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-420 Gallery & Olympus E-500 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-420 features exterior dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") along with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Olympus E-500 has sizing of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-420 vs Olympus E-500 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-420 against the E-500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-420 and E-500 is 77 and 70 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing just by going through specifications. The photograph below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-420 and E-500.

To sum up, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You can expect the Olympus E-420 to produce greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots more aggressively. The newer E-420 provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.